"Roman cavalry choirs are singing"

[Hoplite480]

I always wondered if there was more meaning in that line as well. Coldplay does tend to put a lot of random stuff in their songs but a lot of the time theres deeper meaning to it (I remember reading an interview with the main singer once where he talked about the meaning behind 'clocks' and there was a lot fo stuff I didnt get in it)

I think that more than likely it has to do with the general theme of the song being about a revolution that perhaps turned bad, but that could be just me. I've heard some say theres a lot of biblical imagry in the song, so it may just be that. Their new album (and the EP) has a lot of commentary on modern politics in it as well, so it could be them putting something modern into an ancient context to make a point.

Heres the full lyrics to show what I mean

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing,
"Now the old king is dead, long live the king!"
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you'd go there was never,
never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh, who would ever wanna be king

I hear Jerusalem bells were ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs were singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know St. Peter won't call my name
Never honest were
But that was when I ruled the world